Josh Barnett on Why UFC 168’s “Just Another Fight”

If not for the fact that UFC 168 will feature two title fights, which also happen to have a ton of buzz behind them, Josh Barnett and Travis Browne’s scrap would likely be the night’s co-headliner. After all, in Barnett you have one of the sport’s best heavyweight fighters of all time, and in Browne, you have one of MMA’s fastest rising.

A quick glance at Barnett’s record shows that it’s replete with big name fights, and at massive cards as well, so how does “The Warmaster” feel about fighting at UFC 168? Which could turn out to be one of the promotion’s biggest events ever? Well, here’s what the 36 year-old vet told Yahoo Sports recently:

“It’s just another fight, man,” Barnett said. “The ring is still the same. It doesn’t matter if it’s just the two of us in the gym or if the world is watching. I’ve been doing this since I was a high school wrestler in Seattle and we’d get crowds for the meets. It’s nice people are interested in the show, but it doesn’t make a difference to my fight preparation.”

Considering Barnett’s career, as well as his outlook on fighting, it’s not surprising to hear that he’s not worked up about the magnitude of UFC 168. And how does the PRIDE vet feel about fighting Browne? Who has been turning some heads and then some since arriving in the UFC?

“This isn’t a fight where I have to build up some sort of hatred of the guy,” Barnett said. “He’s been cordial to me every time we’ve crossed paths. He just happens to be the guy the UFC has put in front of me at this time. He likes to go full-tilt; he likes to bang. I’m happy to provide him with that type of fight. Or it could go anywhere. This should be a fun fight; he’s been on a nice run.”

Yes, it should be a fun fight to watch and is yet one more reason Saturday’s going to be a crazy night. If you’re wondering about the betting lines, Barnett is the favorite in the -188 to -195 range.

UFC 168 will go down at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.